Ceria-Based Water-Gas Shift Catalysts for Fuel Cell Applications

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AbstractProposal Title: Ceria-based Water Gas Shift Catalysts for Fuel Cell ApplicationsProposal Number: CTS-9985305Principal Investigator: Maria Flytzani-StephanopoulosInstitution: Tufts UniversityA new class of highly active and stable catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction will be studied. In preliminary work a cerium oxide-based catalyst containing a small amount of a non-precious metal (e.g., Cu or Ni) has been identified as most promising for a low-temperature water-gas shift reactor of practical interest to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The focus is on developing a better understanding of the activity of the new ceria-based catalysts. The origin of the synergy between the metal and ceria for the shift reaction will be investigated. The effect is magnified when nanoscale metal/metal oxide particles are stabilized on ceria nonoparticles. Whether the metal-ceria interface or the metal particle size controls the activity will be investigated. Layered synthetic microstructures will be prepared by vapor deposition of catalyst and support followed by photolithography and etching to produce geometrically defined, nonporous, supported catalysts. The catalyst structures will be characterized by various techniques including electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy to examine the surface. A practical, highly active, low temperature water gas shift catalyst will facilitate implementation of liquid-fuel powered fuel cell vehicles.